Hero Motocorp, the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, has appointed Virat Kohli, the captain of the Indian Cricket team and the world’s No 1 batsman, as its brand ambassador. Kohli’s first campaign as the brand ambassador for Hero will be for the two-wheeler giant’s Xtreme 200R premium motorcycle.

The Hero Xtreme 200R is powered by an all-new 199.9cc single cylinder engine producing 18.1 Bhp and 17.2 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a 5-speed gearbox that sends power to the rear wheel and returns a claimed mileage of 39.9km/l. Hero has also fitted the Xtreme 200R’s engine with a balancer shaft to help keep vibrations down. Prices for the Hero Xtreme 200R start at Rs 88,900 ex-showroom (Delhi).

Speaking about Kohli’s appointment as brand ambassador, Pawan Munjal, MD and CEO of Hero Motocorp, said, “Hero MotoCorp is all about new-age, technologically superior and aesthetically pleasing products which are also fun to ride. Brand Hero stands for trust, excellence and resilience – the qualities that truly personifies the charisma of Virat as a global icon. He represents the youth of today, which ‘Fears Nothing’ and aims for the pinnacle – characteristics that have always defined Brand Hero. It is indeed my pleasure to welcome Virat onboard the global family of Hero MotoCorp and wish him a lot of success and fun in this new innings.”

Virat Kohli also released a statement on his appointment as Hero’s brand ambassador stating, “It is my absolute delight to join the illustrious team at Hero MotoCorp – a truly global brand from India. Millions of young boys and girls of my generation have grown up riding Hero motorcycles and scooters and it is, therefore, a unique and special feeling to associate with this brand. I have known Pawan Ji for long, and I thank him for giving me this opportunity to represent Hero MotoCorp at the global arena. Hero MotoCorp has been one of the largest corporate promoters of sports and sportspersons across various disciplines over the past two decades, and I consider this a huge privilege to be a part of the Hero family. I am eagerly looking forward to an exciting ride ahead.”

The appointment of Kohli to the brand ambassador position comes at a crucial time for Hero MotoCorp as it looks to expand into the 200-300cc segment. According to a report in LiveMint, the two-wheeler manufacturer has 4 bikes planned for the 200-300cc segment, out of which two – the Xtreme 200R and the XPulse – were showcased at the Auto Expo 2018. While the Xtreme 200R is already on sale in India, the launch of the Hero Xpulse has been pushed back to December 2018. The XPulse will be India’s least priced ADV bike. Hero plans to retail these new bikes through new premium showrooms which will also retail a new range of accessories and merchandise.